The process of UV curing is defined as the bonding
of two materials when exposed to ultraviolet light. Materials that
cure using UV light provide an extremely convenient cure in
demand capability. The particular substance to be processed
may vary depending upon it's application and final use, but basically
is composed of base polymers, non-solvent diluents and photoinitiators.
Most bonding methods require mixing of adhesive compounds that must
be used within a certain short activation time and then allowed
to slowly harden at room temperature, however, when curing with
UV light, typically, there is no time requirement to use dispense
material, and more importantly, the UV curing process is virtually
immediate. The use of UV light to cure polymers offers several benefits.
These include speed of bonding, ease of use, process consistency,
and since the UV curing process does not release volatile
organic carbons (VOCs), it greatly reduces environmental contaminates,
as well. |